The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 19 February 2014

Demichelis sent-off as Barça crush City

Barcelona beat 10-man Manchester City 2-0 in the first leg of their last-16 tie at the Etihad Stadium. Martín Demichelis was sent off for fouling Lionel Messi in the 54th minute, with the Argentine slotting home a penalty, before Daniel Alves sealed victory in the last minute. MORE

Ibrahimovic at the double in PSG rout

Paris Saint-Germain thrashed 10-man Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 in the first leg of their last-16 tie. Blaise Matuidi scored the first, Zlatan Ibrahimovic made it two from the spot after 39 minutes before netting a stunning strike three minutes later. Yohan Cabaye scored late on.

Wenger: Bayern favourites for title

The Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger agrees that Bayern Munich, tonight's visitors to the Emirates, are the best team in the tournament. "We know we face the competition favourites," said Wenger, "so the quality of our defending will play a big part." MORE

Laudrup stunned by his sacking

Michael Laudrup last night claimed he was sacked by e-mail just six hours after shaking hands with Swansea chairman, Huw Jenkins, about his continued employment. Laudrup described the manner of his departure this month as "silly" and "incredible". MORE

Lancaster picks newcomer Ford

Bath fly-half George Ford could make his England debut against Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday, after the 20-year-old was included in Stuart Lancaster's squad as cover for Owen Farrell. Brad Barritt of Saracens is cut from the squad. MORE

Trott aims to be back in spring

Jonathan Trott aims to be available for Warwickshire's first match of the season, against Oxford University, following his stress-related illness. He also hopes to meet managing director of England cricket, Paul Downton, for talks. MORE

Dasaolu's golden hopes are dashed

Britain's best hope for gold at the World Indoor Championships, James Dasaolu, has pulled out with a hamstring injury. Dasaolu limped over the line in the 60m final at the Indoor Grand Prix in Birmingham at the weekend, clutching his left leg. MORE

Prandelli linked with Spurs job

Cesare Prandelli has emerged as a potential candidate to take over at Spurs in the summer, when he is expected to leave his post as Italy manager. It is understood Spurs chairman Daniel Levy spoke to him after sacking Andre Villas-Boas. MORE

Westwood sees new hope in old caddie

Lee Westwood says he is pleased to be reunited with caddie Billy Foster, after splitting with coach Sean Foley. "Hopefully, he will be the catalyst to getting my game back into shape," said the 40-year-old Briton. MORE

Christie's revival

The British speed skater Elise Christie, who yesterday progressed to the 1,000m quarter-finals, has spoken of how abuse over causing a pile-up in the 500m nearly led her to quit. MORE